It's been an incredible start to the season for Reading, who have flown up the table and currently sit in third place.

The Royals raised some eyebrows over the summer by appointing Jaap Stam as manager of the club - his first job in management, and it's fair to say he's got off to an astonishing start.

The expectations from those on the board and those in the stands was to finish in mid-table, away from the 19th and 17th placed finishes that had preceded this year.

But here we are, with the Royals in the top three and drawing comparisons to Barcelona and Manchester City with their impressive Johan Cruyff-esque style of play.

They have a fairly sizeable squad, so there are a number of players who have been left in the dark in terms of first team football. Here are two players who should ask Jaap Stam for more playing time.

Dominic Samuel

A product of the Reading youth system, Dominic Samuel made his first league start for the club last weekend, scoring against Burton Albion in a 3-0 win.

He was only given a start due to a Yann Kermorgant injury, but really Samuel deserves a chance at being the first choice striker, as the team cries out for a striker with pace, which he has in abundance.

Whilst out on loan he's shown his fantastic finishing ability, and with Kermorgant struggling to hit the net, it's time Reading go for a different option up top.

Tennai Watson

Chris Gunter has arguably been one of the least outstanding performers in the Royals' starting eleven this season and, after a long run of games this year, perhaps it's time for Tennai Watson to be given a go.

The youngster made his breakthrough into the first team last season under Brian McDermott and has played a few times in the EFL cup this year.

He clearly shows a lot of promise at right back and could deserve a shot in a starting role - something he may have to ask Jaap Stam for.

 

Reading fans... Do you agree with this? Should these players be given a chance? Let us know in the comments below.